Walbridge, Charles E. (b. 1842) to mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04662.080 Author/Creator: Walbridge, Charles E. (b. 1842) Place Written: Bermuda Hundred, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1864/10/7 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy
Thomas Colson has arrived and now works in the blacksmith shop. Walbridge must assume the duties of depot Quartermaster in addition to his regular duties. He hopes to be promoted and is building a log office. Notes 33 Confederates deserted and surrendered. "At all events this army is going to vote for Abraham Lincoln and so is the whole country."
Oct. 7th
Dear Mother,
I received a letter this evening from George, dated at the Tremont House Boston, day before yesterday. - The boy is having a nice time running around the country isn't he? - I should like to take a trip to Boston myself. - I have never yet set my foot in New England. -
Thomas Colson walked into the office day before yesterday. - I was much surprised to see how thin he looks.
He seemed very much pleased to be here; I told him that not a soul, not even Leon had the slightest intimation of his misfortunes, and should not have. - I told Leon that he had had trouble in his business affairs. - Tom has gone to work in the blacksmith shop, and seems to be well contented. It will be much better for him to have his time [2] occupied, so as to keep his thought off his own affairs, than for him to be idle at home with nothing but them to think of. You asked me in a former letter if Leon was not too familiar to be agreable. - Not at all; he is no more familiar than the other clerks, and behaves very well generally. - He called me "Captain", quite naturally from the first morning when he reported for duty. -
Mr. Strobridge and I have been messing alone, until within a few days past when we took into the mess, Capt Burns and his clerk, who are stopping here for a few days to settle up their business.
I have just received an order from Col. Dodge the Cheif Quartermaster, directing me in addition to my present duties to assume the business of Capt Blunt, the depot Quartermaster. - Heretofore I have had the land transportation, and repair shops, and Capt Blunt the water transportation (steamer &c.) and forage.
I do not hear anything of the [3] "majority." - Those nominated for the eighteenth corps, were appointed at once, but the nominees of the tenth corps, and myself, are still captains.
This morning the rebels attacked the right flank of Gen'l Butlers position, driving in the cavalry pickets and doing considerable damage. - The fighting was very sharp for a couple of hours, but finally they were driven back by the tenth corps. - They captured a number of cannon, however, I think ten pieces.
We are now expecting reinforcements, and I think that is the reason that the army has lain still for the last few days, -
I have been building a log office, and have almost completed it. - We found an old granary in a barnyard, about a mile off, which was just the thing. - The logs were seasoned, and the roof was excellent. - So I had the building taken apart, brought down here, and put up again, and it makes [4] a very comfortable building. - As I shall occupy Capt Blunts office, I think I will move my quarters into the new office, and use it as a dwelling this winter.
I received the package of papers which Louise sent me, this morning. I am very much obliged to her for them. They are all correct. -
You mention in your last letter that John Marshall writes home, that the soldiers in Georgia all go for McClellan. - Capt Marshall used to be on McClellans staff, and perhaps on that account he is a little prejudiced in his favor. - At all events this army is going to vote for Abraham Lincoln and so is the whole country. -
Well, Mother, I am afraid you will find this a dull letter but I will try and do better next time. My love to all,
Your affectionate son,
C. E. Walbridge -
A squad of thirty three rebels came in this morning from the front. - They were all deserters; they belonged to the Richmond militia, and skedaddled on the first opportunity. - They were well clothed, and hearty looking fellows. -
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